Abstract: The present invention generally relates to pharmacology and, in particular, to the treatment of tumors and other conditions. In some aspects, the invention is directed to the treatment of subjects having tumors or cancers that are metastatic. Surprisingly, it has been found that certain compositions comprising oxidized glutathione-based compounds are able to effectively treat such cancers by inhibiting cell migration and/or invasion processes, and thus, inhibiting tumor cell metastases. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that such compositions are effective since the compositions are able to suppress the activation of critical signaling pathways within cells that are used for cell migration, such as the ErbB2 and/or phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) pathways, including the downstream RhoA and AKT pathways.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying agents which modulate microRNA activity. The invention involves contacting a cell harboring a microRNA and a microRNA binding sequence, which is operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein, with a test agent increases or decreases the expression of the reporter protein thereby identifying a microRNA modulator. Antagonists identified by this screening assay are provided, as are methods for using the same to inhibit microRNA activity and prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family members, such as BmIAP initially derived from Bombyx mori BmN cells, and nucleic acids encoding them, and methods for making and using these compositions, including their use for inhibiting apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family members, such as BmIAP initially derived from Bombyx mori BmN cells, and nucleic acids encoding them, and methods for making and using these compositions, including their use for inhibiting apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying agents which modulate microRNA activity. The invention involves contacting a cell harboring a microRNA and a microRNA binding sequence, which is operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein, with a test agent and determining whether the test agent increases or decreases the expression of the reporter protein thereby identifying a microRNA modulator. Antagonists identified by this screening assay are provided, as are methods for using the same to inhibit microRNA activity and prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family members, such as BmIAP initially derived from Bombyx mori BmN cells, and nucleic acids encoding them, and methods for making and using these compositions, including their use for inhibiting apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family members, such as BmIAP initially derived from Bombyx mori BmN cells, and nucleic acids encoding them, and methods for making and using these compositions, including their use for inhibiting apoptosis.

Abstract: This invention provides novel p53 modulatory polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for screening modulators of p53. The methods comprise first screening test agents for modulators of a p53-modulatory polypeptide and then further screening the identified modulating agents for modulators of p53. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating p53 bioactivities in a cell and for treating diseases and conditions mediated by abnormal cellular proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (“IAPs”), nucleic acid molecules encoding IAPs, viral vectors, recombinant baculoviruses comprising an IAP, transgenic plants comprising an IAP nucleic acid, and methods of assaying for compounds which bind to an IAP. In general, the IAP nucleic acids of the invention have 95% or higher identity to SEQ ID NO:1 and the IAP of the invention have 90% or higher identity to SEQ ID NO:3.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family members, such as BmIAP initially derived from Bombyx mori BmN cells, and nucleic acids encoding them, and methods for making and using these compositions, including their use for inhibiting apoptosis.

Abstract: An optimizer circuit is interposed between a DC bus and a battery of a power supply system, including two converters in parallel, one that can lower the battery voltage below the bus voltage or directly connect the bus to the battery and one that can raise the voltage to the battery above the bus voltage. A controller actuates the two converters for optimizing battery charging and maintenance and for providing the battery power to the bus if other sources supplying the bus are not available.